Walmart has acquired specific assets – the technology platform, patents and key intellectual property – of CareZone, which offers a way to organize health information and access vital health services.
CareZone has developed a mobile app that helps individuals and families manage medicine and chronic illness for each member of the household. Families can use the app to scan labels or insurance cards to speed and simplify the process. The technology and team members joining Walmart will augment its current health and wellness capabilities and support its focus on digital health care solutions. CareZone will remain a separate company unrelated to Walmart.
“The goal of any technology startup is to build a product or experience that touches the lives of as many people as possible,” said Walter Smith, co-founder and chief technology officer of CareZone. “Adding our technology platform to Walmart’s existing digital capabilities and physical reach creates a unique opportunity to redefine what the future of digital health and wellness can look like. The CareZone team members joining Walmart are excited to bring our knowledge and apply it to such a broad canvas.”
According to a survey of U.S. customers conducted by our consumer insights team, cost is the top barrier to healthcare for 43% of Walmart shoppers, followed by convenience (27%) and access (22%). Additionally, 40% of those surveyed have delayed medical care.
Walmart is focused on delivering innovative solutions to increase access to affordable and convenient healthcare across our business. They introduced our groundbreaking $4 prescription program years ago, and recently launched Walmart Health in Georgia to offer key healthcare services at affordable prices.
